Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I think the one thing that characterizes formal practice in the midst of a young family is that it proceeds much like guerrilla warfare. Fifteen minutes here, ten minutes there…in effect, I find I’m always on the lookout for a moment when I can slip away to meditate. Probably the single biggest obstacle to this style of practice is the hindrance of doubt: doubting whether its worth the effort at all, questioning just what it is I’m doing here as my mind races about bouncing off the imagined confines of the beginning bell and the bell to come in a scant dozen minutes. Really though, when I am able to overcome my doubt and frustration over the shoddiness of guerrilla practice I find that I’m able to feel my way into a few moments of peace where I’m able to take a real interest in the breath. And, then, as quickly as it came it goes again. Yes, it is not the ideal situation for developing jhana but it is perfect, as my teacher calls it, parami practice.

Sukhita hontu!